Sports System and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

A sports system for enjoying basketball and volleyball while poolside is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the sports system comprises a backboard, a mast and a base. The backboard has a front face and a rear face. The backboard has a first corner aperture and a second corner aperture. A backboard stopper system is located on the rear face on the backboard. The mast has an elongated body having a first end and a second end. The elongated central body has a central elongated opening. The base has a front face and a rear face. The base has a first channel centrally extending the length of the front face and a second channel centrally extending the length of the rear face. The backboard stopper system is configured to temporarily receive the first end of the mast. The first channel of the base is configured to receive the second end of the mast. The central elongated opening of the mast has a length and width which allow a portion of the backboard to perpendicularly pass through the central opening. A method of use for the sports system is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Recreational sports are enjoyed by many individuals. Recreational sports, such as basketball and volleyball, are played every year by millions of people of all ages. Recreational sports may be enjoyed in indoor settings, such as gymnasiums, as well as in outdoor settings such as parks, backyards and pools. Enjoying recreational sports in and around pools has become popular.

Pools have become common places not only to enjoy swimming and leisure but also to play sports such as basketball and volleyball. Indeed, swimming, being one of the healthiest forms of exercise, has led to the popularity of pools. Over the years, pools have naturally become ideal places to implement recreational sports. In fact, one specific type of pools known as sports pools are pools particularly designed for the enjoyment of recreational sports. Sports pools have two shallow ends, with a deeper section in the center of such shallow ends. Such sports pools are well suited for basketball and volleyball as well as a number of other fun pool games. Traditional pools having a shallow end and a deep end are also well suited for the enjoyment of recreational sports such as volleyball and basketball.

Several basketball goal systems which are particularly adapted for pool side use are currently on the market. These basketball goal systems allow for the enjoyment of playing basketball while in or near a pool. Additionally, basketball and volleyball combo systems are currently available for consumers. Such combo systems allow users to play basketball or volleyball while in a pool. Existing basketball goal systems and basketball/volleyball combo systems have structures that are cumbersome and difficult to assemble, transport, and store. A sports system with a structure that allows for easy assembly, transport and storage is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A sports system for playing basketball and volleyball is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sports system comprises (a) a backboard comprising a front face and a rear face, wherein the backboard comprises a first corner aperture and a second corner aperture, wherein the backboard comprises a backboard stopper system having a channel, wherein the backboard stopper system is located on the rear face of the backboard; (b) a mast comprising an elongated body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the mast is removably inserted into the channel, wherein the elongated central body has a central elongated opening, wherein the central elongated opening of the mast has a length and width which allow a portion of the backboard to perpendicularly pass through the central opening; and (c) a base comprising a front face and a rear face, wherein the base has a first channel centrally extending the length of the front face, wherein the first channel is configured to receive the second end of the mast. The first corner aperture and the second corner aperture may be triangular shaped or non-triangular shaped. In one embodiment, the second corner aperture is located in the opposite corner of the first corner aperture.

In one embodiment, the sports system comprises a backboard stopper system having a lower plate with rails and an upper plate with rails, wherein the rails of the lower plate and rails of the upper plate slidably connect to create the channel to receive the first end of the mast. The first end of the mast may have a circumference that is less than the circumference of the elongated body. Also, the second end of the mast may comprises a wheel used to transport the sports system as desired. The mast may have an elongated central opening with a width of about 1.8 inches and a length of about 20 inches. In one embodiment, the base of the sports system may have a plane surface and a drain.

A method for using a sports system is also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: (a) assembling or attaching a sports system disclosed herein; (b) utilizing the sports system; and (c) storing the sport system when finished utilizing by removing the backboard from the mast and perpendicularly inserting the backboard into the central opening of the mast.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of the sports system according to one example embodiment. In this front view, the backboard, mast, and base of the sport system are assembled.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the sports system as shown in FIG. 1. In this perspective view, the backboard, mast and base of the sports system are assembled.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear perspective view of the sports system as shown in FIG. 1. In this rear perspective view, the backboard, mast and base of the sports system are assembled.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of the front of the sports system as shown in FIG. 1. In this exploded perspective view, the backboard, mast and base of the sports system are not assembled.

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded perspective view of the rear of the sports system as shown in FIG. 1. In this exploded perspective view, the backboard, mast and base of the sports system are not assembled.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the sports system as shown according to one example embodiment. In this perspective view, the backboard is inserted into the central opening of the mast. In FIG. 6, the sports system is in the stored (or unassembled) position.

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of the sports system as shown in FIG. 6. In this front view, the backboard is inserted into the central opening of the mast. In FIG. 7, the sports system is in the stored (or unassembled) position.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of the sports system as shown according to one example embodiment. In this top view, the backboard is inserted into the central opening of the mast. In FIG. 8, the sports system is in the stored (or unassembled) position.

FIG. 9 depicts a magnified view of a second end of the mast of the sports system according to one example embodiment. In this magnified view, a wheel configured to connect to the second end is shown.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a sports system arranged in a box according to one example embodiment. The box may be used for shipping, packaging and storing the sports system. In this view, the base and mast of the sports system are attached; however, the backboard is not attached to the mast.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a sports system arranged in a box according to another example embodiment. The box may be used for shipping, packaging and storing the sports system. In this view, a first mast is attached to a first base and a second mast is attached to a second base; however, one backboard is shown and is not attached to either the first or second mast.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the base attached to the mast according to one example embodiment, wherein the base and mast are shown as arranged in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a first base connected to a first mast and a second base connected to a second mast, wherein the first base and second base are shown as arranged in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the sports system as shown in FIG. 1. In this perspective view, the backboard, mast and base of the sports system are assembled so that the rim attached to the front of the backboard does not extend over the base.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of the sports system according to one example embodiment. In this perspective view, the backboard, mast and base of the sports system are assembled so that the rim attached to the front of the backboard extends over the base.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of a base attached to a mast of a sports system according to one example embodiment. The plane surface of the base is shown.

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of the base attached to the mast of a sports system according to FIG. 16. As shown, the plane surface may be used to support and store a basketball and/or a volleyball.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of the base attached to the mast of a sports system according to FIG. 16. As shown, the plane surface may be used to support a sandbag or other items used to add weight and stability to the sports system.

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of the base of a sports system according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 20 depicts a side view of the sports system as shown according to one example embodiment. In this side view, the backboard is inserted into the central opening of the mast. In FIG. 20, the sports system is in the stored position and a user is tilting the sports system.

FIG. 21 is a front view of a backboard of the sports system according to one embodiment. In this view, a user is holding the top and bottom corner apertures or openings to transport the backboard.

FIG. 22 depicts a front view of a mast of a sports system according to one example embodiment. In this view, the central opening extending vertically down the elongated body of the mast is shown.

FIG. 23 depicts a sports system according to another example embodiment. In this view, a first base connected to first mast and a second base connected to a second mast are shown to create a volleyball option.

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of the rear side of the backboard showing a backboard stopper system according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 24B is a side view of the backboard with backboard stopper system shown in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24C is a top view of the backboard with backboard stopper system shown in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24D is a partial view depicting the rear side of the backboard, wherein the backboard stopper lower plate is shown.

FIG. 24E is a perspective, partial view depicting the rear side of the backboard, wherein the backboard stopper lower plate is shown.

FIG. 24F depicts a view of backboard stopper upper plate according to one embodiment.

FIG. 24G depicts a side view of the upper plate shown 24F.

FIG. 24H depicts a view of the backboard stopper upper plate as shown in FIG. 24F. In this view the rails and cavities are shown.

FIG. 24I depicts the backboard upper plate aligned in position to slide onto rails of backboard lower plate. The arrow represents the direction in which the backboard upper plate will slide onto the backboard lower plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 24, a sports system 100 is disclosed. In one example embodiment, sports system 100 comprises a backboard 110, rim 130, a mast 140 and a base 160. Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, FIG. 1 depicts a front view of the sports system 100 according to one example embodiment. In this front view, backboard 110, rim 130, mast 140, and base 160 of the sports system 100 are assembled. In the perspective view of FIG. 2, the backboard 110, rim 130, mast 140, and base 160 of the sports system 100 are also assembled. FIG. 3 depicts a rear perspective view of the sport system 100 where backboard 110, rim 130, mast 140 and base 160 of sports system 100 are assembled. FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of the sports system 100 wherein backboard 110, rim 130, mast 140, and base 160 are not assembled. FIG. 5 depicts an exploded rear view of sports system 100 wherein backboard 110, rim 130, mast 140 and base 160 are not assembled.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment, sports system 100 is typically used for playing basketball and volleyball by recreational sports players who are in or near a pool. In one example embodiment, sports system 100 comprises backboard 110. In one example embodiment, backboard 110 may be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene (PE), but other materials may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, backboard 110 has a front face 112 (see FIG. 4) and a rear face 114 (see FIG. 5). In one example embodiment, backboard 110 may be 25.990 inches in length, 2.885 inches in width, 20.000 inches in height. The dimensions of backboard 110 may vary as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In one example embodiment, rim 130 may be attached to front face 112 of backboard 110. Rim 130 comprises a circular hoop. In one embodiment, hoop has an inside diameter of about 18 inches from all point-to-point measurements that cross the exact center of the hoop. Other size hoops may be used as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the hoop may have hooks to secure the attachment of net 132. Other forms of attaching net 132 to circular hoop may be used as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art. Rim 130 comprises a rectangular piece of metal (best seen in FIG. 4) attached to the circular hoop. Such rectangular piece creates separation between the backboard 110 and the hoop and may sit flush with backboard 110 upon attachment. In one embodiment, rim 130 may be secured to backboard 110 using a bracer support system which includes a square faceplate being set at a perpendicular angle to the rectangular piece of rim 130. In one embodiment, the square faceplate has holes at each of its four corners wherein such four holes align with the four holes in backboard 110. Rim 130 may be fastened or attached to backboard 110 by screwing in four bolts which are secured with washers and nuts. Other support or attachment system may used to attach rim 130 to backboard 110 as desired by one of skill in the art. In one example embodiment, rim 130 may be made of steel, stainless steel, or iron, but other materials may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. In one example embodiment, an interwoven net 132 is attached or fastened to the rim 130. In one embodiment, the thread count of the netting should be over 30 but less than 120 total threads.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment, backboard 110 has a first corner aperture 118 and a second corner aperture 120. In one example embodiment, first corner aperture 118 is located opposite of second corner aperture 120. First corner aperture 118 and second corner aperture 120 each provide an opening or free space which allow a user to attach and remove backboard 110 from mast 140. Apertures 118 and 120 allow a user to grip, carry, and transport the backboard 110 with ease (best shown in FIG. 21). In one example embodiment, first and second corner apertures 118 and 120 are triangular in shape. In other embodiment, first and second corner apertures 118 and 120 may be any shape as desired by one of skill in the art. Additionally, the location of the corner apertures or openings may vary. In one embodiment, first corner aperture 118 is located opposite of second corner aperture 120, however, in another embodiment, first and second corner apertures 118 and 120 may be both located in the top or lower two corners of backboard 110. In one embodiment, apertures, openings, or free spaces may be created in one, two, three or four corners of backboard 110, as desired by one of skill in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, 6 and 22, sports system 110 comprises mast 140. In one embodiment, mast 140 is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene (PE) plastic, but other materials may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. In one example embodiment, mast 140 comprises an elongated body 156 (best shown in FIG. 22) having a first end 142 and a second end 144. The circumference around elongated body 156 narrows to form a first end 142 wherein first end 142 removably connects to and assembles with backboard 110. Second end 144 connects or attaches to base 160. In one embodiment, elongated body 156 forms a second end 144 wherein second end 144 comprises a cavity 146 (see FIG. 9) having two parallel cut outs configured to receive wheel 148, best shown in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, mast 140 is permanently fixed to base 160. In one embodiment, second end 144 has a structure which slides inside of base 160 and clips permanently to base 160. Second end 144 may be attached to base 160 as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In one example embodiment, mast 140 has a central opening 150 vertically extending down the elongated body 156 of mast 140. In another example embodiment, central opening 150 may be oblong in shape having a length of about 20 inches in length and about 1.8 inches in width. The dimensions of central opening 150 may vary as desired by one of skill in the art as long as dimensions are sufficient to allow central opening 150 to receive backboard 110 best shown in FIGS. 6-8. In FIGS. 6-8, the backboard 110 may be inserted into the central opening 150 of the mast 140 allowing the sports system 100 to be is easily transported and stored.

In one example embodiment, mast 140 has a first depression 152 and a second depression 154. First and second depression 152 and 154 may be used to attach a volleyball net to mast 140 (further described below).

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, sports system 100 comprises base 160. Mast 140 is attached to base 160. In one embodiment, base 160 is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene (PE) plastic, but other materials may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. In one example embodiment, base 160 has a front side 158 (see FIG. 4) and a rear side 159 (see FIG. 5). In another example embodiment, front side 158 comprises a first channel 162 (see FIG. 4). First channel 162 is designed to receive second end 144 of mast 140. In one example embodiment, rear side 159 comprises a second channel 164 (see FIG. 3). Second channel 164 is designed to allow first end 142 of mast 140 to be placed in second channel 164. Referring to FIGS. 16 to 19, in one example embodiment, base 160 comprises a plane surface 168 which may be used to support and store a basketball 172 and/or a volleyball 174. In another embodiment, the plane surface 168 of base 160 may be used to support a sandbag 176 or other items used to add weight and stability to the sports system 100. FIG. 19 depicts a side view of base 160 of a sports system 100. As shown in FIG. 19, in one example embodiment, plane surface 168 of base 160 is sloped. In one embodiment, base 160 comprises a drain 166 having a plug 167 (see FIG. 5). Liquid, such as water, may be added to base 160 via drain 166 to add stability to base 160.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5, and 24A-24I, backboard 110 has a backboard stopper system or stopper system 116 contiguous to the rear face 114 of backboard 110. Stopper system 116 comprises a backboard stopper lower plate 122 with rails 124 (see FIGS. 24D and 24E) and a backboard stopper upper plate 126 with rails 124 (see FIGS. 24F, 24G, and 24H). Corresponding rails 124 of lower plate 122 and upper plate 126 of backboard stopper system 116 create a channel 128 (see FIG. 24C). Cavities or depressions 125 of lower plate 124 (see FIG. 24E) correspond with convexities or bumps 127 of upper plate 126 to further secure lower plate 124 and upper plate 126. First end 142 of mast 140 may be removably secured in channel 128.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, in one embodiment, backboard 110 of sports system 100 is inserted into the central opening 150 of the mast 140. FIG. 8 depicts a top view of the sport system 100 as shown according to one example embodiment. In this top view, backboard 110 is inserted into the central opening 150 of the mast 140. In FIG. 8, backboard stopper 116 stops or prevents the backboard 110 from continuing to enter the central opening 150 of mast 140.

Referring now to FIG. 23, in another embodiment, sports system 100 may further comprise a second base 160 connected to a second mast 140 used to create a volleyball court to be used in a pool setting. Volleyball net 136 has rope or string 137 extending from each of its four corners wherein such rope 137 is positioned around a first depression 152 of each mast 140 and a second depression 154 of each mast 140. In one embodiment, rope or string stoppers 138 may be used to secure the volleyball net 136 to each mast 140 and adjust the volleyball net 136 to fit the width of the pool. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in order to accommodate the volleyball net, backboard 110 is removed and assembled in channel 128 of stopper system 116 in order that the rim 130 attached to the front of the backboard 110 extends over the base 160.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 12, Fig.12 is a rear perspective view of base 160 attached to mast 140 according to one example embodiment, wherein the base 160 and mast 140 are shown as arranged in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a top view of a sports system 100 arranged in a box 170 according to one example embodiment. Box 170 may be used for shipping, packaging and storing the sports system 100. In FIGS. 10 and 12, base 160 and mast 140 of the sports system 100 are attached; however, the backboard 110 is not attached to the mast 140.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 13, FIG. 13 depicts a first base 160 connected to a first mast 140 and a second base 160 connected to a second mast 140, wherein the first base 160 and second base 160 are shown as arranged in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a top view of a sports system 100 arranged in a box 170 according to another example embodiment. Box 170 may be used for shipping, packaging and storing the sports system 100. In FIG. 11, first mast 140 and second mast 140 are attached to first base 160 and second base 160, respectively. In FIG. 11, one backboard 110 is shown and is not attached to either the first or second mast 140.

A method for using sports system 100 is also disclosed. Such method comprises the following steps: (a) assembling or attaching a the backboard 110, mast 140, and base 160 of sports system 100; (b) utilizing the sports system 100 as desired; and (c) storing the sport system 100 when finished utilizing by removing the backboard 100 from the mast 140 and perpendicularly inserting the backboard 110 into the central opening 150 of the mast 140.

Other embodiments of the disclosed technology will be apparent to those of skill in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the technology disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and the example embodiments be considered as exemplary embodiments only, with a true scope and spirit of the technology being indicated by the disclosure herein. 

I claim:
 1. A sports system comprising a. a backboard comprising a front face and a rear face, wherein the backboard comprises a first corner aperture and a second corner aperture, wherein the backboard comprises a backboard stopper system having a channel, wherein the backboard stopper system is located on the rear face of the backboard; b. a mast comprising an elongated body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the mast is removably inserted into the channel, wherein the elongated central body has a central elongated opening, wherein the central elongated opening of the mast has a length and width which allow a portion of the backboard to perpendicularly pass through the central opening; and c. a base comprising a front face and a rear face, wherein the base has a first channel centrally extending the length of the front face, wherein the first channel is configured to receive the second end of the mast.
 2. The sports system of claim 1 wherein the first corner aperture and the second corner aperture are triangular shaped.
 3. The sports system of claim 1, wherein the first and second corner apertures are non-triangular shaped.
 4. The sports system of claim 1, wherein the second corner aperture is located in the opposite corner of the first corner aperture.
 5. The sports system of claim 1, wherein the backboard stopper system comprises a lower plate with rails and an upper plate with rails, wherein the rails of the lower plate and rails of the upper plate slidably connect to create the channel to receive the first end of the mast.
 6. The sports system of claim 1, wherein the first end of the mast has a circumference that is less than the circumference of the elongated body.
 7. The sports system of claim 1, wherein the second end of the mast comprises a wheel.
 8. The sports system of claim 1, wherein the elongated central opening has the width of about 1.8 inches.
 9. The sports system of claim 1, wherein the elongated central opening has a length of 20 inches.
 10. The sports system of claim 1, wherein the base has a plane surface.
 11. The sports system of claim 1, wherein the base has a drain.
 12. A method for using a sports system, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) assembling or attaching a sports system of claim 1; (b) utilizing the sports system; and (c) storing the sport system when finished utilizing by removing the backboard from the mast and perpendicularly inserting the backboard into the central opening of the mast. 